Retail Head Chef (Monday-Friday)

Location

Central London

Salary

£51,500 per annum

Working Pattern

Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week (7am to 3:30pm)

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and creative Catering Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in London. You will oversee a team of 5, preparing food across a salad bar, Grab & Go, hot mains, and a staff restaurant serving an average of 500 covers per day (breakfast and lunch), as well as two pop ups per week.

The ideal candidate will have solid experience in contract catering, restaurants, or similar high volume environments, with a strong background in managing kitchen operations and leading a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all dishes across daily service and events.
• Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards (HACCP compliance).
• Conduct regular stock takes, manage inventory, and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Monitor food costs, minimise waste, and control the kitchen budget.
• Liaise with suppliers, place orders, and ensure the quality of delivered products.
• Represent the kitchen during client tastings and presentations.
• Collaborate with management on seasonal menu updates and special events.
• Lead the kitchen team, coaching and supporting staff while ensuring up to date training and performance feedback.
• Plan and develop menus that delight clients and customers, and manage smooth daily service.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Experience in retail, contract catering, or hotels with banqueting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for innovation in food and hospitality.

Benefits

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes annual health check, digital GP, mental health consultations, nutritional consultations, second medical opinion
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers